Kitchen Fire Suppression Canister Self-Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial kitchen fire suppression systems require external devices and pressure sources to actuate the main control valve of the canister, adding complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

The system uses internal pressure from the canister containing the fire extinguishing agent and gas expellant to actuate and open the main control valve, eliminating the need for external devices and pressure sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an external source or mechanism is employed to actuate the main control valve of the canister, then the canister can be actuated to release the fire extinguishing agent, but additional cost and complexity are added to the system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecanister actuation reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The canister system uses its own internal pressure to actuate the main control valve, eliminating the need for external actuation mechanisms. The high-pressure gas compartment naturally pressurizes the low-pressure actuation compartment through the control valve, causing the valve to open automatically when the solenoid valve is energized. This self-service approach reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the propellant function and the actuation function into a single integrated canister system. The same internal pressure that propels the fire extinguishing agent is also used to actuate the control valve. By combining these functions and using the solenoid valve as a simple control element rather than a complex external actuator, the system achieves both reliability and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If an external source or mechanism is employed to actuate the main control valve of the canister, then the canister can be actuated to release the fire extinguishing agent, but additional cost is added to the system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecanister actuation reliabilityVSAvoidsystem manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own internal resources (high-pressure gas) to perform the actuation function, eliminating the need for separate external actuators, motors, or complex mechanical linkages. This self-service approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable actuation through the natural pressure differential.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the actuation function from the external system and integrates it into the canister's internal pressure system. By taking out the need for external actuators and using only a simple solenoid valve to control the pressure release, the system reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This simplifies the system, reduces costs, and ensures reliable actuation of the fire extinguishing agent release in response to fires or potential fire conditions within the kitchen.

Implementation Method 1

the internal pressure within the canister containing the fire extinguishing agent and gas expellant is employed to actuate and open the main control valve of the canister

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInternal pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The solenoid valve is energized and its state is changed to where the activation line is open, exposing the main control valve of the canister to the internal pressure of the canister

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid actuation: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentEP3824957B1Commercial kitchen fire suppression system having a pressurized canister containing a fire extinguishing agent which employs internal pressure to actuate the canister
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 CAPTIVEAIRE SYSTEMS
  • EP3824957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3824957B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3824957B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing system for a commercial kitchen. The fire extinguishing system comprises a canister containing a fire extinguishing agent and a gas expellant. In the event of a fire or conditions that pose a threat of a fire, the internal pressure in the canister is utilized to actuate a main control valve of the canister which releases the fire extinguishing agent from the canister.